presents Sunny Portugal with Optional Madeira Island Post Tour Extension February 17 26, 2017 For more information contact The Travel Club (617) 338-1111 lobo@newventureboston.com
10 Days 14 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners HIGHLIGHTS Cascais, Lisbon, Jeronimo's Monastery, Fado Dinner Show, Sintra, Obidos, Fatima, Evora, Monsaraz, Alentejo Countryside Stay, Algarve, Sagres, Lagos, Faro, Cork Museum, Cooking Demonstration, Azeitao, 2 Winery Tours, 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight Flight Days 2 4 Day 5 Days 6 8 Day 9 Vila Gale Cascais Hotel, Cascais Vila Gale Clube de Campo, Beja Vila Gale Lagos, Algarve Marriott Lisbon, Lisbon On some dates alternate hotels may be used. "Leisure Stays" are tours in which the itineraries are designed to allow for multiple-night stays in two or more cities. This allows you a more leisurely pace and more time to explore the destinations on your own. Day 1: Friday, February 17, 2017 Overnight Flight Portugal - a historic land of great explorers - is waiting for your own exploration. Discover ancient castles, Roman ruins, groves of lemon and almond trees, quiet whitewashed villages, and kind, gentle people. Day 2: Saturday, February 18, 2017 Cascais, Portugal - Tour Begins Your tour opens in Cascais, a scenic coastal resort on the Portuguese Riviera and your home for three nights. The mansions scattered about Cascais and nearby Monte Estoril hint at its history as a haven for exiled European royals and nobility. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D) Day 3: Sunday, February 19, 2017 Cascais - Lisbon - Cascais This morning, tour Lisbon, Portugal s capital set on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Your tour highlights the Moorish Alfama Quarter. See the 16th-century Jeronimo s Monastery (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Monument to the Discoveries, which honors intrepid Portuguese explorers and their patrons. The impressive Belem Tower, also a UNESCO site, features carved rope and balconies that stand watch where great navigators once set forth. Later today, enjoy leisure time in Cascais. Stroll its narrow cobblestone streets, walk the wide oceanside promenade or shop for ceramics, lace, filigree, hand woven works and tapestries. This evening, savor excellent Portuguese cuisine and wine while local artists perform the traditional Fado (UNESCO). (B, D) Day 4: Monday, February 20, 2017 Cascais - Sintra - Obidos - Fatima - Cascais Begin your day exploring the picturesque town of Sintra, a UNESCO site and the favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Travel to Portugal s beautiful Silver Coast, a spectacular region filled with sleepy villages, rich vineyards and ageold castles. Proceed to picture-perfect Obidos where white washed houses are held snug by medieval city walls. Later, visit Fatima, the world-famous Marian pilgrimage site. (B) Day 5: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Cascais - Evora - Monsaraz - Alentejo Travel through beautiful Portuguese countryside and stop in historic Evora (UNESCO), known as the Museum City of Portugal. Inside this medieval walled city lies a 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana. Then, journey to the hilltop, walled village of Monsaraz, a jewel in the crown of the Alentejo. This small medieval town has carefully preserved its original charm. From the 13th-century castle you ll enjoy amazing panoramic views of the countryside. Next, indulge in a winery tour and a tasting of the full-bodied character of the region s wines. Enjoy your stay in the heart of Alentejo s countryside during an overnight at a country resort set among 3,000 acres of farm land, vineyards and cork trees. (B, D) Day 6: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Alentejo - Sagres - Lagos - Algarve Travel to the famous Algarve and discover the secrets of the 16th-century fortress at Sagres, home of Prince Henry s School of Navigation and the compass rose. You will also garner magnificent views of beautiful Cape of St. Vincente where 200-foot cliffs plunge into the Atlantic at the most southwesterly point of Europe. Next, explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences abound. Here, the famous voyager, Prince Henry the Navigator, began his explorations and from the harbor, Vasco da Gama sailed in 1499 on his epic voyage of discovery. Stroll through the fortress and historic buildings while taking in the surrounding ocean views during some leisure time. (B, D) Day 7: Thursday, February 23, 2017 Algarve The entire day is yours to independently experience the beautiful Algarve. Geraniums, camellias and oleanders grow alongside fig, orange and almond trees while brightly colored fishing boats bob on the seas. Protected by hills to the north and warmed by the sea, the Algarve s mild climate and beautiful beaches attract vacationers from all over the world. (B)
Per Person Rates * : Double $2,849; Single $3,249; Triple $2,819 Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Logan Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $280 per person Upgrade your in-flight experience with Elite Airfare Additional rate of: Business Class $4,190 Refer to the reservation form to choose your upgrade option * All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change IMPORTANT CONDITIONS: Your price is subject to increase prior to the time you make full payment. Your price is not subject to increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees. Once deposited, you have 7 days to send us written consumer consent or withdraw consent and receive a full refund. (See registration form for consent.) Day 8: Friday, February 24, 2017 Algarve - Faro - São Brás de Alportel - Algarve Journey to Faro, gateway to the Ria Formosa protected lagoon landscape. Explore the city s historic center with 9th-century Roman walls, dramatic golden coastline, along with its archaeological and architectural gems. Portugal is the world s number one producer of cork. In historic São Brás de Alportel, visit a local cork factory and museum to learn about its importance to the local economy and its many uses. Later, a presentation by a local liqueur maker is followed by a tasting of some of the many varieties produced in the region. Your day comes to an end with a cooking demonstration of Portuguese cuisine followed by a sumptuous dinner featuring local delicacies and wine. (B, D) Day 9: Saturday, February 25, 2017 Algarve - Azeitao - Lisbon En route to Lisbon, visit Azeitao, a charming agricultural village known for red wine, olive trees and beautiful country estates. Visit a familyrun shop that demonstrates how azulejos, the famous hand-painted Portuguese tiles, are made. Next, visit the Azeitao Wine Museum at the centuries-old Jose Maria da Fonseca Winery for a tour and tasting of local wines, including moscatel. Later, bid adeus to Portugal during a dinner celebrating the end of a wonderful tour. (B, D) Day 10: Sunday, February 26, 2017 Lisbon - Tour Ends Your tour comes to a close today. (B) Experience It! The Sounds of Fado Music When visiting Lisbon, spending a night at a "casa de Fado," or Fado restaurant, is an essential experience. Traditional Portuguese cuisine savory local wines and the magical sounds of Fado. The songs of the Fado are based on the feeling known simply as saudade. Though no precise word can properly translate saudade, it is often described as a combination of deep nostalgia, strong desire and melancholy feelings. Fado songs tell stories of happiness and sadness, of love and jealousy. Even musical experts cannot agree on the true origin of Fado. Although the word comes from the Latin fatum, meaning fate, some believe its drawn-out laments are a legacy of the Moorish occupation. Others say it developed from an African dance in Brazil, and according to another theory, the melancholy character of the music evolved from Portuguese seafarers who sang of home during their long absences at sea. It emerged as a Bohemian art form in Lisbon's working-class districts of Alfama and Mouraria in the late 18th century and gradually moved up-market. But it was Amalia Rodrigues in the 20th century who made Fado known beyond Portugal, performing all over the world. She's been credited with defining the style of the music and when she died in 1999, the government declared three days of national mourning and awarded her a state funeral. A national icon, she is buried in Lisbon's National Pantheon. EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH Optional 5 Days Madeira Island Post Tour Extension Rate: $1,249.00 USD per person, double, land & air inclusive In partnership with
SUNNY PORTUGAL February 17, 2017 OPTIONAL TOURS Personalize your tour by adding an optional activity below. Our recommended options have been carefully chosen to help enhance your individual experience. Complete the provided Prepaid Options Form to reserve your options. Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Cascais Dinner at Cozinha Velha Restaurant (The Old Kitchen), Queluz Palace $85 Queluz National Palace is one of Portugal's most sumptuous palaces. Built in 1747, the palace was long used as the summer residence for royals and is the country's finest example of Rococo architecture. Nowadays, this palace is used by the Portuguese State as a residence for government and state chiefs that visit Portugal. Located in one of the palace s wings is Cozinha Velha Restaurant; once the kitchen of the palace, it still has the charm of yesteryear. Cozinha Velha is an endearing place, built in grand style with the original rectangular layout and structures. Today, it is considered one of Portugal s finest restaurants with a colorful dining room favored by those seeking a gourmet dinner in a romantic setting. The dining room is like a small chapel, with high stone arches, a free-standing fireplace, marble columns and a 20-ft marble table laden with baskets of fruit and vases of flowers. Enjoy a delightful 3 course dinner prepared according to the most genuine recipes of Portuguese traditional cuisine, complete with wine, coffee or tea and mineral water. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 25 passengers is required. Transportation is included. Algarve Coastal Cruise with Algarvian Cave Expedition, Portimao Museum and Dinner $110 At one time, Portimao was the sardine capital of the world. Visit the Portimao Museum, located along the river front, and housed in what was one of the main sardine canning factories in Portimão. The museum contains many of the original machines used in the industry. The grandparents and great grandparents of many of Portimão s current residents earned their living here. Next, set forth on your own Age of Discovery on the two-masted Caravela Santa Bernarda. This reconstructed ship recalls Portugal s golden days of sail and exploration. Enjoy an afternoon cruise departing from the historical harbor of Portimao, sailing along the Rio Arade. Sail by Ferragudo, a typical Algarvian fishing village full of tiny, colorful boats. Enjoy the unusual maritime view of two medieval forts. Continue along the amazing coast for breathtaking views of the majestic rock formations for which the Algarve is known. If you choose, set sail in smaller boats and glide into the grottos of the famous Algarvian caves. Celebrate your discoveries during a dinner in a local Portimao restaurant, savoring delicious Portuguese cuisine and wine. This excursion is subject to operation depending on weather conditions. Also due to weather conditions, this excursion may operate in the morning (lunch will be included instead of dinner) instead of the afternoon. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH Optional 5 Days Madeira Island Post Tour Extension Rate: $1,249.00 USD per person, double, land & air inclusive